FTC Solar has released its Pioneer+ High Wind tracker, an advanced variant of its 1P Pioneer single-axis tracker, purpose-built for regions facing extreme wind conditions. Engineered to withstand wind speeds up to 150 mph, Pioneer+ High Wind is built to be deployed in coastal, hurricane-prone and high-altitude regions, while building on FTC Solar’s core design and control architecture.
The Pioneer+ High Wind solution expands the capabilities of FTC Solar’s flagship 1P Pioneer Tracker to address more challenging project environments. As solar projects move into more wind-exposed, climate-sensitive environments, the need for structurally resilient, intelligently designed trackers is increasing. The Pioneer+ High Wind tracker is built for these conditions, combining analytical modeling, third party validated engineering and real-world testing to ensure dependable performance under increasing wind loads.
Key system highlights include:
- Wind direction-agnostic safety stow position, minimizing wind loads, reducing foundation depth requirements, and ensuring maximized energy production even during wind stow – delivering structural resilience and long-term value.
- Configurable module string sizes for wind categories from 105 mph up to 150 mph.
- Reinforced torque tubes, drive posts and damper assemblies for added structural rigidity.
- Optimized natural torsional frequency in accordance with third party stability criteria.
- Compatibility across module form factors for broad design flexibility.
The Pioneer+ High Wind tracker retains the system architecture of the Pioneer line while incorporating enhancements for higher wind stability. Preassembled module agnostic rails attach with a single bolt to the universal torque tube – reducing necessary hardware and simplifying on-site logistics.
Standard 1P Pioneer Tracker features like open bushings, two-piece couplers, and self-aligning parts eliminate tight insertions, and reduce pinch points and project errors.
“We’re dedicated to listening to the market and continually striving to deliver the smartest trackers in the business,” said Yann Brandt, CEO of FTC Solar. “This launch is about more than meeting a specification — it’s about solving real challenges for developers with solutions that are fast, easy, and safe to install and operate — regardless of project location. This is what the industry needs now, and FTC Solar is ready to deliver.”
Complementing new innovations in hail mitigation, terrain adaptability and cold-weather resilience, this launch marks another strategic milestone in FTC Solar’s goal of unlocking high-risk, high-potential sites for clean energy deployment.
News item from FTC Solar